Possibly best to side with a horse with armbands on the likely bog and preference is for Candle ahead of Mull Of Dubai and Rosbay. A market move for the latter could be interesting as he has been holding his form well recently and is not badly treated at the weights. However Candle has threatened to win a decent pot this season and a proven soft-ground performer, he should run a big race off this mark of 90. Although not ideally drawn out wide, he can make the long journey north worthwhile. Sir Duke is very consistent and this Danehill gelding should not be overlooked; he stays well and whilst yet to race on ground like this, he should be high on people's shortlists. Dr Faustus represents last year's winning combo but he needs to improve on recent runs, whilst fellow three-year-old Detonator won't be far away if handling the ground. Strategic Mount holds the selection on their recent clash but he's back up to a tough-looking mark, so a bigger danger could be Tom Tate's pair, of which Mull Of Dubai looks the pick as he is proven on poor ground. A tough start for punters and the tentative vote goes to Candle.
Strategic Mount 16-1 (9-6) Held up towards rear, edged right 3f out, headway and switched left 2f out, ran on to lead close home, won at Ascot 1m 4f hcp 0-100 (2) gs beating Record Breaker (9-6) by 1l, 10 ran.
Greek Envoy 16-1 (9-3) Held up, shaken up 3f out, struggling over 2f out, last of 12, well behind Perks (8-0) at Haydock 1m 3f hcp 0-105 (2) hvy.
Mull of Dubai 11-1 (9-10) Held up, headway over 3f out, ridden to chase winner over 2f out, no impression, 2nd of 12, 3l behind Ella (8-13) at York 1m 4f hcp 0-100 (2) hvy in Jul.
Candle 6-1 (9-6) In touch, ridden 2f out, weakened over 1f out, 6th of 10, 10l behind Strategic Mount (9-6) at Ascot 1m 4f hcp 0-100 (2) gs.
Smart Instinct (USA) 20-1 (8-13) In touch, ridden over 3f out, one pace from over 1f out, 10th of 19, 8l behind Sugar Ray (9-0) at Ascot 1m 4f hcp 0-105 (2) gf in Jun.
Magicalmysterytour (IRE) 8-1 (9-9) Held up, headway over 2f out, led over 1f out, driven out, won at Newbury 1m 5f hcp 0-90 (3) gd in Aug '07 beating Silver Suitor (8-12) by 2l, 11 ran.
Akarem 10-1 (10-0) Mid-division, effort over 2f out, not quicken, weakened final furlong, 5th of 9, 10l behind Tropical Strait (9-13) at Newbury 1m 5f hcp 0-90 (3) gs.
Sir Duke (IRE) 3-1fav (9-6) Held up, headway over 2f out, led well over 1f out, hung left and ran on final furlong, won at Doncaster 1m 2f hcp 0-85 (4) gd in Jul beating Keisha Kayleigh (8-9) by 2l, 11 ran.
Dr Faustus (IRE) 8-1 (9-1) Held up in rear, ridden on outside, edging right when bumped 3f out, struggling after, 11th of 15, 8l behind Indian Days (8-6) at Goodwood 1m 2f 3yo hcp (2) gf in Jul.
Rosbay (IRE) 17-2 (9-9) Mid-division, headway 2f out, ran on final furlong, 3rd of 15, 1l behind Night Hour (10-0) at Pontefract 1m 4f hcp 0-90 (3) gd.
Horseford Hill 8-1 (9-7) Held up towards rear, ridden well over 2f out, soon beaten, 8th of 15, 17l behind Profit's Reality (9-11) at Newmarket 1m 4f hcp 0-90 (3) gs in Jul.
Mesbaah (IRE) 10-3 (9-13) Led, clear halfway, ridden over 2f out, headed inside final furlong, kept on same pace, 2nd of 9, 3/4l behind Nevada Desert (9-1) at Beverley 1m hcap (4) gf in Jul.
Detonator (IRE) 17-2 (9-1) Chased leaders, hard ridden 3f out, weakened over 2f out, 10th of 13, 18l behind Love Galore (9-1) at Goodwood 1m 4f 3yo hcp 0-105 (2) gf in Jul.
Film Festival (USA) 25-1 (9-0) Tracked leader, ridden over 3f out, weakened approaching final furlong, 9th of 18, 4 1/2l behind Humble Opinion (9-3) at York 1m 2f hcap (3) gd in May.
Dzesmin (POL) 5-2fav (9-7) Towards rear, ridden 3f out, headway 2f out, soon one pace, 5th of 9, 4 1/2l behind Channel Crossing (8-6) at Leicester 1m 4f hcp 0-80 (4) gf in Jul.
